Celebrating and honouring Indigenous culture and heritage
National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on June 21, recognizes the contributions, culture and traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
The summer solstice and the longest day of the year, June 21, is a date with deep significance to Indigenous people. It marks the beginning of annual gatherings and harvesting of food and traditional medicines. Indigenous people and communities have honoured their culture and history on the summer solstice for generations.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for gathering in Indigenous communities. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures, heritage and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada.
As communities gather, non-Indigenous people have the opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude towards the stewards of the land we inhabit. By attending cultural celebrations, we can gain a better understanding of Indigenous ways of life, through ceremonial activities and performances, arts and crafts, and traditional clothing and food. Whether you are invited to participate in an intertribal dance or sample a piece of fry bread, it’s a time to learn, appreciate, share across cultures and embrace reconciliation.
OTF is pleased to support Indigenous communities through our grants and has invested $41.2 million in initiatives benefitting Indigenous communities since 2015. These projects include a wide range of priorities from language revitalization to improvements to gathering spaces and buildings for communities.
OTF would like to take this opportunity to wish all Indigenous people a day filled with connection and celebration in their respective communities and a rich and bountiful summer season.
Find a Pow Wow near you: Complete list of Pow Wows
Experience Indigenous Culture: Indigenous Experiences Ontario
Discover Indigenous art:
- National Gallery of Canada: Indigenous art
- AGO: The Indigenous Collection
- Toronto Arts Council: Nine Indigenous Artists You Should Know
- Indigenous Art Galleries & Gift Shops
- Woodland Cultural Centre: The Art Gallery
Join the conversation:
Use the hashtag #NIPD2023 on social media to participate, learn and engage with your community and beyond for this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day.